At the beginning of the story, Ladd is an apprentice to Goffard Gaffgarion, coming to Orbonne Monastery with Ramza Beoulve as an escort for Princess Ovelia. They, along with Agrias Oaks and her vassal knights Alicia and Lavian, are trapped in the chapel during an attack by the Order of the Southern Sky, and must defend the princess. The attack is repelled, but Delita Heiral kidnaps the princess while the knights are distracted. Lady Agrias resolves to give chase, and at Ramza's fervent request, the mercenaries grudgingly agree to follow. In doing so, Ladd becomes a member of Ramza's entourage.

Ladd is recruitable; it is the player's choice. If recruited, he joins with a random action ability. He can be recruited at the end of "Chapter 1: The Meager," along with Lavian and Alicia, while Agrias and Gaffgarion become guests in Ramza's party.

Though technically a named character, Ladd has no native abilities beyond that of any other generic unit, including those recruited from the Warrior's Guild. He may be sent on errands along with other generic units. He joins at level 8 with 63 Bravery, 60 Faith, and equipped with the Iron Sword, Red Hood, and Ringmail.